Today, January 29, Ukraine honors the memory of the defenders of the Ukrainian People's Republic who, in 1918, accepted an unequal battle against the Bolshevik invasion at the Kruty railway station. Their feat became a symbol of patriotism and self-sacrifice in the fight for Independence.

The events of distant 1918 resonate with the present as sharply as ever. Then, as now, the enemy advanced from the East, seeking to destroy Ukrainian statehood. Against Muravyov's nearly five-thousand-strong army stood a small detachment of Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers made up of cadets, students, and schoolboys. In total, according to various estimates, up to 520 Ukrainian defenders were at Kruty, armed with up to 16 machine guns and one gun on a railway platform.

Historical background

The battle of Kruty lasted until night. Despite the enemy's significant numerical superiority, Ukrainian fighters inflicted significant losses on the enemy and delayed the advance on Kyiv by four days. According to modern estimates, Ukrainian losses at Kruty are estimated at 70-100 killed. Among them — 37-39 killed in battle and executed - 27 students and schoolboys who were in reserve and were captured during the retreat. The next day these 27 Heroes were shot or tortured to death. They were later buried at Askold's Grave in Kyiv. Bolshevik losses at Kruty numbered about 300 troops.

This time proved decisive for Ukrainian diplomacy: it allowed the UNR government to conclude the Brest-Litovsk peace treaty, which meant international recognition of Ukraine's independence.

Historians and military experts often draw parallels between the heroes of Kruty and today's defenders of Ukraine. As a hundred years ago, young people and volunteers were the first to stand in defense of their land, demonstrating incredible resilience against superior enemy forces.

Kruty is a lesson that even smaller forces, armed with an idea and love for their land, can stop hordes of occupiers.

History is repeating itself, and today Ukraine again needs defenders ready to stop the enemy. The best way to honor the memory of the Heroes of Kruty is to continue their cause not only in word but also in deed - by joining the Ukrainian military through the 1st Recruitment Center.